High school students must go higher

For the past year, a task force called Go Higher, Florida, has been trying to find ways to increase postsecondary enrollment, reduce the need for remedial education in the colleges, and improve the readiness of Florida high school graduates to enter the work force.

Judy Bilsky, executive vice chancellor of the community college system, reviewed the group's recommendations with the State Board of Education today. They include

• Develop a definition of "college and career readiness."
• Require relevant and rigorous courses for all high school students.
• Adopt high school/postsecondary assessments that are clear in focus and function.
• Participate in the American Diploma Project.
• Campaign to improve public awareness and understanding of current and future assessments.

It's that last one that piques some interest. Because Bilsky explained that too many people in Florida think that if a student graduates from a Florida high school having passed the FCAT and received a general diploma means that he or she is college ready. "They're not," she said, saying it takes more.

The State Board expects to take up the Go Higher, Florida, recommendations next year.